Unity meet: 'I have mixed emotions,' says Anwar on return to WTC KL's Dewan Merdeka

– Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has thanked Umno on his return to Dewan Merdeka at the World Trade Centre here after a 25-year hiatus.

"Today, I am attending this gathering full of spirit and mixed emotions.

"As mentioned earlier by the Umno president (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), it has been 25 years since I last spoke in Dewan Merdeka.

"Thank you for allowing me to return to Dewan Merdeka," the Prime Minister said in his speech during the inaugural unity government convention on Sunday (May 14).

Anwar, a former Umno deputy president, was sacked by the party in 1998.

He later formed Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which is the backbone of the current Pakatan Harapan coalition.

Anwar said that this was made possible through consistency, commitment and determination in seeing the formation of the unity government.

"This is a collective effort. The issue is not about Anwar but the commitment and ability to have a vision and determination to defend the interest of the rakyat," he added.

He said the setting up of the unity government was not merely fulfilling the wishes of the King but also to stabilise the country.

"It has laid the foundations of stability for the nation," he said, adding that this has since been achieved.

He said those who dispute the strength of the government can challenge it in Parliament.

"If there are those still having delusions, I throw the challenge again for them to bring it to Parliament in the coming sitting and contest it," he said.